Mary Ellen (Nellie) Bessenbacher Long, of Westwood, Kansas, passed away comfortably at her home on August 8, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones. Nellie was born on December 21, 1963, daughter to James and Jean Bessenbacher, and grew up just south of the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri along with her five brothers and sisters. As a child, she attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School, St. Teresa’s Academy for high school and Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
She was married to her husband, Michael Long, in 1995 and together they lovingly shared life with their 7 children and 11 grandchildren. Nellie enjoyed cooking, golfing, and attending her grandchildren’s school events and she was instrumental in helping build two successful family businesses. Family gatherings at Nellie’s were always a special treat as she would always put together an amazing menu of wonderful dishes and desserts. All who knew Nellie appreciated her direct and unassuming approach to life, balanced by a remarkable heart for loving others.
In February of this year, Nellie was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and immediately began to wage a spirited battle against the disease. During that time, she never complained about her diagnosis or circumstances, rather she was most concerned about her loved ones and their future. Nellie will always be remembered as a devoted and caring mother, grandmother, and an incredible wife.
Nellie leaves behind her husband, Michael Long, Sr.; her two daughters, Alison Lagerstrom (Andrew), Erin Mahaffey (BJ); her five stepchildren, Michael Long, Jr. (Vicki), Vince Long (Robin), Annemarie Smith (Cisco), Jason Long, Audrey Janes (Austin); her five siblings, James Bessenbacher, Jr. (Mary), Maggie
Bessenbacher, Cathy Olberding (Bruce), Steve Bessenbacher (Andra), Jeannie Sopyla (Steve); eleven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Her family is immensely grateful for the care provided by Ascend Hospice and the ALS Treatment Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center. A special note of thanks to Nellie’s sister, Maggie Bessenbacher, for her help caring for Nellie in these last weeks, and to everyone else who has assisted in various ways over these last few months.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 16th at 8:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 3934 Washington St, Kansas City, MO 64111, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m.. A reception will immediately follow Mass in the church assembly hall. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64138 at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations be made to the ALS Association, https://www.als.org
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